The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1887-10-12


packed as never before in the history of
Chicsgo. On the tops Of houses and in the
windows were crowds of eager faces, and
from the roofs floated streamers, evidently
improvised hurriedly for the occasion.
Down at Twenty-second street, where the
procession began, there was repetition of
the depot scene, and man might as well
have attempted to walk through brick
wall as to force his way into the midst OF
this fence Of men and women.
WELCOMED TO CHICAGO.
When comparative order had been re-
stored on the platform Mayor Roach
stepped forward and delivered the follow
ing address:
iiMr. President: In behalf of its citizens
it becomes my pleasant duty to tender you
q cordial welcome to Chicago, city of new
and progressive civilization, cosmopolitan
In its character and spirit; respecting the
Constitution and laws of the country; de-
voted to liberty; regulated by law. This
queen city of the inland seas greets with
all the tokens, rejoicing and good will, the
chief magistrate of the nations nation
whose growth, progress, prosperity and
happiness are without parallel in the
world. The successor of long line of Illus
trious Presidents whose names adorn the
pages of our history, and whose deeds live
in grateful recollection of our citizens. you
come to us clothed with the majesty OF the
people and representing the sovereignty of
a nation of sovereigns. Your high office is
the symbol of the power and glory of a free
government and free people. In respect
ingyou we respect ourselves. In honoring
you we honor good government, good citi-
zenship and unreserved loyalty to the con-
stitution and laws of our land.
I'VE desire TO express our sincere gratifi
cation that our chief magistrate, by per
sonsl observation, is to verify the fact that
the West is no small part of our common
country, and our belief that this truth will
be forcibIy illustrated during your western
tour. AS you have limited your visit to
Chicsgo to single day, we can do little
more in the time allotted us than to show
you q few of our dwelling temples, and
marts OF trade and commerce; and to notify
you that to-day the latch string is out in
every home in Chicago, of whatever ma
tionality, creed or complexion. The citi-
zens of this city have only thoughts and
words of welcome and hearty good will for
the chief magistrate of the freest and best
government on EARTH"
The President responded as follows:
at was soon after the election of 1884 that
an old resident of your city was earnestly
urging ME to pay you a visit. He en-
deavored to meet all objections that were
started and insisted with unyielding per-
tinacity that the invitation should be &C
cepted. At last, and after all persuasion
seemed to fail, he vehemently broke out
with this declaration: 1.-THE people up
where 1 live don't think man is fit for
President who has never seen Chicago"
have often thought of this incident since
that time, and sometimes when ! have
felt that l was not doing for the people and
the public welfare all that might be done,
or all that 1 would like to do, / have
wondered whether things would not
have gone on better if 1 had visited
Chicago. Indeed lit has. believe,
been publicly stated on one or more oc-
casions lately, when the shortcomings OF the
present chief executive were under dis
cussion, that nothing could be expected of
g man who had never been west of some
designated place or river; and this, l sup
pose, means the same thing that my Chica-
go friend meant, and involves the same ac-
cUsation and conclusion.
If my alleged official crimes and misde-
mesnors are thus charitably accounted for,
shall not complain, while confess that
the declaration of the representative of
this city, as have given it, is an evidence
Of that local pride and loyalty of which
your great city is q striking monument.
All have heard of it if they have not seen
it, for every one OF your people seems to
have organized!himself committee of one,
to spread its glories abroad.
And now that / am here, feel like saw
ing with the Queen of Shebs, "The half
was not told me-" My amazsment is great
history. In 1888 the town of Chicago was
Incorporated: upon the question of incor-
poration thirteen votes were cast, one of
which was in the negative. We do not
know the reason which actuated this cit1
zen in his adverse vote; but if he were here
to-day, believe he would be heartily
ashamed of it. Five days after its incor-
poration as a town. Chicago held its first
election for town officers, and we are told
the total vote on that occasion was twenty
eight. We look in vain for any trace of
bocdlers in those days, though we are told
that the first building constructed after the
establishment of the town was a log jail.
Your population in 1887. when Chicago
was incorporated, was 1000. The number
Of its inhabitants in 1871 was 800 900 or
upwards, and the valuation OF its property
probably $3.50, 600 900. Its immense
growth and volume of business had then,
made 1t marvel among modern cities.
At this time 1t was visited by direful ca
lamity, without parallel in extent and de-
struction, which threatened all its promise
of greatness and apparently ended its ca
reer. In October of that year q fire &C.
| CURED which burned over an area, within
| the city, of 2100 acres, killed 200 persons,
| consumed 20, 600 buildings, made home
| less 100, 600 people, and destroyed property
| TO the value OF $500 100000 Then follow
ed an exhibition of enterprise and bravery
| as unparalleled as the disaster which called
| them forth. The citizens of Chicago lost
DO time in lamentation, and not for mo-
| ment did they lose faith in the sure des-
tiny of their city. Almost among its en-
bers they recommended business and upon
its ashes they began to build. Sixteen
years have passed, and there has arisen a
city many fold more populous, more beau
tiful and more prosperous than you lost in
| 1871. Who have greater right to be proU
and satisfied than the citizens of Chicago
You have said the president ought to see
Chicsgo. / am here to see it, and its hos
pitiable large hearted people. Bat be-
cause your city is so great and your inter
ests so large and important, know you
will allow me suggest that have at home
a city you ought to see and know more
about. In point Of fact it would be vel
for you to keep your eyes closely upon il
all the time. Your servants and
agents are there. They are there II
protect your interests and aid your efforts
to advance your prosperity and we'll being
Your bustliDg trade and your wearing
cesseless activity of hand aud brain will
not yield the results you deserve unles:
wisdom guides the policy of your govern
ment, and unless your needs are regarded
at the capital OF the Nation.
1t will be wellfIr you not to forget tina
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